The battle over a proposed liquor license for a downtown nightclub continued at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

Burke Harr, the attorney for Joe Cascio who applied for the liquor license, is frustrated with neighbors who say Funktown doesn't fit into this part of the city.

"It's permitted. It's encouraged. It's a cultural event. It may not be what they agree with, it may not be what they like," Harr said.

Last December, Cascio applied for a liquor license, but a Craigslist advertisement promoting go-go girls and fast-paced, high volume entertainment and a strong showing of neighbors in opposition sent Cascio home without the license.

Harr said the business plan has changed.

"Mr. Cascio is willing to make a number of concessions. He stated he will not allow or have go-go girls," Harr said.

Neighbors at the Kimball Lofts disagree.

"The neighborhood has changed and changed for the better. This application has not changed at all," neighbor in opposition David Hecker said.

More than a dozen people in opposition said the area has become more residential, with families living right next door, and one of the residents who works up the street at jail said a nightclub doesn't make sense.

"It's my professional opinion that opening an off-site liquor establishment half a block away from the jail cannot possibly be the highest, best use for this property," neighbor in opposition Dr. Kim Craig said.

Some opponents are concerned about safety after Sunday's shooting at the Slowdown.

"Even with one of the most well-run concert venues which was turned into a nightclub on Halloween night, we tragically saw someone shot and their life taken last week," neighbor in opposition Billy Coburn said.

Harr disagrees.

"The Slowdown, that was a tragic tragic event, no ifs ands of buts about it, but this is a different location. This is a different clientele. This is a different location," Harr said.

City Councilman Chris Jerram called the location a massive place built for parties.

"In terms of theater, I think this is the second act of the same play that we heard back in December and really nothing has changed in terms of the use," Jerram said.

The council denied the Cascio's proposal 5-1. The vote is a recommendation and the issue will next go to the Liquor Control Commission.

Last December, after the City Council vote, the commission denied Cascio's license.